BC Rural Health Conference & Awards

The BC Rural Health Conference (RHC) provides rurally relevant continuing medical education (CME), networking opportunities, and wellness activities for healthcare providers in British Columbia. It serves as a key gathering for rural physicians, residents, and medical students, fostering connections and advancing rural healthcare practices. The conference also includes the BC Rural Health Awards, which celebrate excellence in rural healthcare leadership, innovation, and service.

“The talks were varied and hit the mark. The opportunity for networking and meeting other doctors was excellent. The supportive and enthusiastic tone of the speakers and conference was also excellent.”

BC RHC 2024 Attendee

Achievements

A Successful 2024 Rural Health Conference in Whistler

The BC Rural Health Conference (RHC) took place from May 24-26, 2024, on the unceded traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Lilwat7úl (Lil’wat) Nations in Whistler, BC.

The event welcomed over 450 attendees, including participants, speakers, exhibitors, and staff. Over three days, attendees engaged in rurally relevant CME sessions, networking events, and wellness activities, fostering meaningful professional connections and knowledge-sharing.

Celebrating Excellence in Rural Health Care

During RHC, RCCbc proudly presented the 2024 BC Rural Health Awards, honouring outstanding contributions to rural healthcare:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Robin Routledge, for his exceptional career-long commitment to rural medicine.
BC Rural Community Award: The City of Dawson Creek, for outstanding support of local healthcare services.
New – Resident Leadership Award: Dr. Svetlana Hadikin, for her leadership and dedication to rural healthcare.

Read the backgrounder about the 2024 BC Rural Health Award winners and watch the award videos.

Strengthening Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange

The success of RHC 2024 was made possible through collaboration with key partners, including the UBC Conference team and funding support from the Joint Standing Committee on Rural Issues (JSC). The conference also featured 47 presenters and engaged in discussions around rural health policy, practice, and innovation.

Explore the numbers

455 Attendees

The 2024 BC Rural Health Conference welcomed 455 attendees in Whistler.

3 Awards

3 awards were presented to rural health leaders and communities.

47 Presenters

47 presenters shared expertise in rural medicine at BC RHC.

Learn more about the 2024 Rural Health Award Winners

Media Backgrounder: 2024 BC Rural Health Award Winners

Media Release: 2024 BC Rural Health Award Winners

“Made some wonderful connections with other providers in different communities that have made creative changes to tackle challenges; I have learned a lot from them and will apply these to my practice.”

RHC 2024 Attendee

Plans for the Future

The BC Rural Health Conference will continue in Prince George from June 6-8, 2025, at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. The 2025 event will build on past successes while enhancing CME opportunities, expanding partnerships, and continuing to celebrate excellence in rural health.